CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Face Gel - 1.75 fl oz: Paraben-Free, Contains Niacinamide, For Sensitive Skin

Common questions

Is CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Face Gel - 1.75 fl oz: Paraben-Free, Contains Niacinamide, For Sensitive Skin healthy?

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Face Gel - 1.75 fl oz: Paraben-Free, Contains Niacinamide, For Sensitive Skin scores 80/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This moisturizer contains beneficial ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, and sodium hyaluronate, which support skin hydration and barrier function.

Which ingredients drive CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Face Gel - 1.75 fl oz: Paraben-Free, Contains Niacinamide, For Sensitive Skin's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Ceramide NP count in its favor; Dimethicone, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Phenoxyethanol are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Face Gel - 1.75 fl oz: Paraben-Free, Contains Niacinamide, For Sensitive Skin

CeraVe
80 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$14.12 · 1.75 fl oz · $8.07 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 7
Harmful ingredients 3
Owned by L’Oréal
Category Moisturizer
Summary

This moisturizer contains beneficial ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, and sodium hyaluronate, which support skin hydration and barrier function. However, the presence of phenoxyethanol, a preservative that can cause irritation in some individuals, slightly lowers its safety profile. The product is processed, which limits its maximum potential score despite the overall beneficial formulation.

Key ingredients 28

Ceramide AP
Very Good

Ceramide AP is another type of ceramide that supports the skin's natural barrier. It helps to lock in moisture and protect against environmental damage. It is beneficial for maintaining skin health.

Benefits

Supports skin barrier function and improves hydration.

See more about Ceramide AP →
Ceramide EOP
Very Good

Ceramide EOP is crucial for maintaining the skin's lipid barrier and preventing moisture loss. It helps improve skin resilience and texture. It is particularly beneficial for dry and sensitive skin.

Benefits

Enhances skin barrier and prevents moisture loss.

See more about Ceramide EOP →
Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing properties. It is generally well-tolerated and beneficial for most skin types.

Risks

Rarely, it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Helps maintain skin hydration and improves skin barrier function.

See more about Glycerin →
Niacinamide
Good

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that is known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. It helps improve skin texture and tone. It is beneficial for reducing redness and irritation.

Risks

In rare cases, it may cause mild irritation or redness.

Benefits

Improves skin texture, reduces redness, and enhances skin barrier function.

See more about Niacinamide →
Ceramide NP
Good

Ceramide NP is a lipid that helps restore the skin barrier and retain moisture. It is essential for maintaining healthy skin. It is beneficial for dry and sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Restores skin barrier and enhances moisture retention.

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Sodium Hyaluronate
Good

Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid that helps to hydrate and plump the skin. It is known for its ability to retain moisture and improve skin elasticity. It is beneficial for all skin types, especially dry skin.

Benefits

Hydrates and plumps the skin, improving elasticity.

See more about Sodium Hyaluronate →
Tocopherol
Good

Tocopherol, or Vitamin E, is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage. It also has moisturizing properties and supports skin health. It is beneficial for maintaining youthful and healthy skin.

Risks

Rarely, it may cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Protects against free radical damage and moisturizes the skin.

See more about Tocopherol →
Aqua/Water/Eau
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in the application and absorption of the product. It does not provide any direct benefits or risks.

Benefits

Acts as a solvent and carrier for other ingredients.

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Propanediol
Neutral

Propanediol is used as a solvent and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps improve the texture and spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Improves product texture and enhances skin feel.

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Isononyl Isononanoate
Neutral

Isononyl Isononanoate is an emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin. It enhances the texture of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Low risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

Improves skin texture and provides a soft feel.

See more about Isononyl Isononanoate →
Carbomer
Neutral

Carbomer is a thickening agent used to stabilize and improve the texture of cosmetic products. It helps in creating a gel-like consistency. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause mild irritation if used in high concentrations.

Benefits

Improves product texture and stability.

See more about Carbomer →
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Neutral

Dimethicone Crosspolymer is used to enhance the texture and spreadability of cosmetic products. It provides a silky feel and helps in even application. It is generally non-irritating and safe for use.

Risks

May cause build-up on the skin with prolonged use.

Benefits

Enhances product texture and provides a smooth application.

See more about Dimethicone Crosspolymer →
Cetearyl Alcohol
Neutral

Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener in cosmetics. It helps to soften the skin and improve product texture. It is generally well-tolerated and non-irritating.

Risks

Low risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

Softens skin and improves product consistency.

See more about Cetearyl Alcohol →
Triethyl Citrate
Neutral

Triethyl Citrate is used as a stabilizer and fragrance ingredient in cosmetics. It helps to maintain product stability and improve scent. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

Low risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

Stabilizes product and enhances fragrance.

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Silica
Neutral

Silica is used as an absorbent and anti-caking agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve product texture and reduce shine. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

Inhalation of fine silica particles can be harmful.

Benefits

Improves texture and reduces shine.

See more about Silica →
Sodium Hydroxide
Neutral

Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic products. It helps to maintain product stability and effectiveness. It is used in very low concentrations to ensure safety.

Risks

Can be irritating in high concentrations.

Benefits

Adjusts pH and stabilizes product.

See more about Sodium Hydroxide →
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Neutral

Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is used as an emulsifier and mild surfactant in cosmetics. It helps to blend ingredients and improve product texture. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

Low risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

Improves product texture and emulsifies ingredients.

See more about Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate →
Cholesterol
Neutral

Cholesterol is used in cosmetics to help restore the skin barrier and improve moisture retention. It is a natural component of the skin's lipid barrier. It is generally well-tolerated and beneficial for dry skin.

Benefits

Restores skin barrier and enhances moisture retention.

See more about Cholesterol →
Chlorphenesin
Neutral

Chlorphenesin is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It helps to maintain product safety and stability. It is generally considered safe for use in low concentrations.

Risks

May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and ensures product safety.

See more about Chlorphenesin →
Caprylyl Glycol
Neutral

Caprylyl Glycol is used as a skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster in cosmetics. It helps to improve skin hydration and enhance product preservation. It is generally well-tolerated and safe for use.

Risks

Low risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

Improves skin hydration and enhances preservation.

See more about Caprylyl Glycol →
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Neutral

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is a chelating agent used to stabilize cosmetic formulations. It helps to prevent metal ion contamination and improve product stability. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Low risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and prevents contamination.

See more about Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate →
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Neutral

Biosaccharide Gum-1 is used as a moisturizing and soothing agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve skin hydration and provide a smooth feel. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

Low risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

Moisturizes and soothes the skin.

Xanthan Gum
Neutral

Xanthan Gum is used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve product texture and consistency. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

Low risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

Improves product texture and stability.

See more about Xanthan Gum →
Phytosphingosine
Neutral

Phytosphingosine is a lipid that helps to restore the skin barrier and reduce inflammation. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin. It is generally well-tolerated and safe for use.

Benefits

Restores skin barrier and reduces inflammation.

See more about Phytosphingosine →
Benzoic Acid
Neutral

Benzoic Acid is used as a preservative in cosmetics to prevent microbial growth. It helps to maintain product safety and extend shelf life. It is generally considered safe for use in low concentrations.

Risks

May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and ensures product safety.

See more about Benzoic Acid →
Dimethicone
Bad

Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.

Risks

May cause build-up on the skin with prolonged use.

Benefits

Provides a smooth application and helps retain skin moisture.

See more about Dimethicone →
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

Low risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

Conditions and softens the skin.

See more about Behentrimonium Methosulfate →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective but can cause irritation in some individuals. It is considered a moderate risk ingredient due to potential skin sensitivity.

Risks

May cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →

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